Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir were looking forward in keen anticipation to 2008 prior to a first annual general meeting in St. Teilo's, their new, home from home, practice facility. The choir, though, were dealt a terrible blow to their sense of well-being following the announcement of the death of one of their most popular choristers. Charlie Lewis, fondly remembered by most Pembroke folk as 'Charlie the Milk', died suddenly on Friday, January 4. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Pam and family for such terrible loss. Charlie was absolutely one of life's gentlemen. Unfailingly optimistic, polite and good natured, he possessed a sunny disposition and had a natural likeable manner. No mean golfer, too, with South Pembs Seniors, a valuable top tenor in the choir, he will be sorely missed without any doubt by all his friends; that is to say, most people in Pembroke who knew him. The choir sang a tribute for him and stood in silence to his memory. The AGM necessarily had to be progressed following this, salient points being noted in brief speeches by the officers. Phil Thompson re-iterated his intense presidential pride for the choir for raising really significant sums for community projects, expressing also his admiration and respect for the musical team. He remarked on the continuing rise in performance levels the choir achieved, influenced by its musical team. Other personal highlights were the choir's send-off given to Chevron's former executives on their leaving and the effect it had on them, the Albert Hall experience in March and the Folly Farm concerts. He made special mention of the amazing impact the choir made on the inhabitants of Dawlish Warren and the owners of the hotel where the choir performed for the local Rotary. Secretary Phil Lloyd passed on greetings from many corners of the world and identified the choir's programme for the year. Henry Johnston presented the usual set of immaculate accounts. No one is more assiduous in looking after the choir's financial health than Henry! Chairman Frank Harries spoke warmly of Charlie Lewis and the loss this represented, but was confident the choir would continue to attract new members. He thanked the willingness of choristers to carry all costs related to their activities and the spirit that enabled year on year continuity. He also emphasised the hard work to come in preparation for the Albert Hall in 2009. He praised the choristers for their dedication and was quite confident they would continue this valuable work. 2007 officers were re-elected to previously held posts, including that most valuable asset any choir can possess, the musical team. Long service awards would be time adjusted after appropriate discussion. A small increase to member subscription levels was agreed. Gareth Hopkins was granted funds to construct a P&DMVC web-site. Chorister Chris Rooker was influential in Felinfoel Brewery's decision to sponsor the choir with sports shirts bearing logos of both choir and Felinfoel. Closure of the AGM allowed a short period for the choir to do what the choir does best, give voice! Mrs. Lloyd also issued warnings of the work that lay ahead with new material, but was confident the choir would reach the standard demanded by Alwyn Humphries for Albert Hall 2009. The choir have sung under Alwyn before and know full well what to expect from this most demanding and exacting of taskmasters.

A.S.